Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
PLNS-0004
Organization's ID:
PLNS-0004
Organization:
Pearson
Location:
Online
Length:
12 -- 15 weeks (133 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 American Government or Political Science
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to introduce students to the fundamentals of American government and politics focusing on the historical evolution of government and policies, the major institutions, and the major processes. The course goals include developing an interest in and understanding of today's government, policy development, and politics as well as developing critical thinking and information-literacy skills in the areas of government and politics.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify how the historical development of the United States affects contemporary political environment
  • Utilize informational literacy skills in the study of politics
  • Identify institutional structures and how these structures interact with each other to explain the processes of government
  • Apply an understanding of government processes to analyze contemporary politics
  • Distinguish the formal and informal processes by which public policy is made
  • Recall how individual actors impact the contemporary political environment

General Topics:

  • The foundations of the Constitution
  • Federalism
  • Civil liberties
  • Civil rights
  • Congress
  • The Executive Branch
  • The Judiciary
  • Political socialization, public opinion, and the media
  • Interest groups and public opinion
  • Parties, campaigns, and elections
  • Social and economic policy
  • Foreign policy and national security
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Learner Presentations

Methods of Assessment:

  • Examinations
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials